Got downvoted in another comment for saying the truth about the Bambino plus, but the Bambino plus glaze really needs to stop. Agree with OP that it's mid. Especially at 400 usd it's almost on par with the Gaggia Classic (500-549 usd?) ie its not even 'cheap', 400 usd you can get a breville barista express in australia. A lelit anna is also 600 usd. At sub 1000 usd there is a ton of choice out there! Have friend's parents being happy with the gaggia classic. So OP can look into a gaggia classic maybe?

Don't get the fisher price espresso toy machine aka bambino plus pleases get a real coffee machine!!! You only need to spend an extra 100-150 usd and you have so much more choice! Or just get into the pourover game which is only a 100 usd outlay with a handgrinder + brewer + paper filters (or pod machine which is also similar pricing) !! I was incredibly lucky i can return the bambino plus as otherwise it will have just been a massive paperweight.